Cyprus’ new organised crime unit will enter full operational service on Monday, 12 October 2026, the Chief of Police announced, saying its results so far have confirmed the need for its creation.
The Chief of Police said the aim is to explain why the new structure was considered necessary, how it forms part of the wider modernisation of the Police and how it is expected to strengthen public security.
Focus shifts to criminal networks
He said the organised crime landscape has changed dramatically, with criminal groups now operating more flexibly and simultaneously across multiple areas.
He stressed that law enforcement efforts cannot focus solely on individual criminal acts but must instead target the dismantling of entire criminal networks.
The need for such an approach is also highlighted in Europol reports, he said, adding that Cyprus is not isolated from these developments and must have the appropriate structures and operational capabilities to respond.
Stronger link between intelligence and action
“Within this environment, the unit was designed,” the Chief of Police said, explaining that the new structure strengthens the link between analysis, intelligence and operational action.
According to the Chief of Police, its operation forms part of the wider plan to modernise the Police and strengthen its ability to tackle organised crime and modern criminal networks more effectively.
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